Centre's contentious land Acquisition Bill approved by the lok Sabha ate up almost entire day of the Jharkhand Assembly on Friday. Thought the proceeding was to resume one hour before the scheduled time to accommodate pending 'Calling Attention Motions', Opposition parties in the leadership of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha did not allow any business to be transacted before the lunch break.
The JMM brought 'Adjournment Motion' to discuss the issue along with domicile policy in the beginning which was declined by Speaker Dinesh Oraon citing Rule-54 of the proceeding for Assembly under which prior notice is required to be given. Following this, leader of Opposition Hemant Soren and all the MlAs of his party along with Alamgir Alam of the Congress, Pradeep Yadav of JVM and others belonging to Marxist-
The members were shouting slogans against the Narendra Modi-led Government at the Centre and termed the Bill anti-poor, anti-people and one that reminds "draconian British regime". Repeated attempts by the Speaker could not pacify the agitated members who went on upsetting the furniture kept for Assembly reporters inside the Well. They were also holding placards that said 'Jaan denge-zamin nahi denge' and 'define the domicile policy'. The Speaker first adjourned the House till 10.45 am and again till 12.20 pm. This could not pacify the agitating members and after laying the 'Demand for Grants' for land Revenue, Sports, Excise and Prohibition Departments he adjourned the proceeding for 2 pm.
later, the members staged protest outside the House, sat on dharna and sought slogans condemning the provisions of the Bill. "We had brought the Adjournment Motion against the land Acquisition Bill. There is all-round opposition against the Bill in the country. The Centre is befooling the people citing amendments done into it. Our protest against the legislation would continue," said Hemant Soren before leaving to the venue where his party workers had organised a massive protest at Birsa Chowk.
Pradeep Yadav also echoed the sentiment and termed the provisions against land holders and farmers, especially tribals. "This would ruin the land owners. They have also removed consent clause and it reminds us of draconian British rule. That was the reason why he brought the Motion so that the matter can be discussed in details in the perspective of Jharkhand," he said.
However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Saryu Roy snubbed the Opposition and condemned its act not in accordance with dignity. "They have put forth an undignified behaviour for the matter not concerning this House. Parliament is working on the legislation and they were hell-bent not to let any business happen here. People are looking at their behaviour and their useless act," said the Minister challenging the agitating members for an open debate on the provisions under the Bill and its implications on farmers.
When the proceeding resumed after lunch the issue got mentioned in the speeches of the JMM and JVM members. "The law is a black law and poor people of the State fear to lose their land due to this. Situation has changed over the period of time and now less land is available with the farmers whereas pressure has gone up. Jharkhand is going to be worst hit by this," said Yadav.
He also raised cases of cheating done to displaced tribals of Jharia and DVC projects whose compensation against their land was taken away by outsiders and demanded to setup resettlement and displacement commission. JMM's Kunal Sarangi urged the State Government to stop this legislation to be applicable in Jharkhand. He also mentioned that over 20,000 cases relating to violations of CNT/SPT Acts were pending in various parts of the State.
Replying to the contentions of the members Minister for Revenue and land Reforms Amar Kumar Bauri admitted that land had been snatched away from poor in great numbers but assured that no one would be guarded against the violations. "We have formed the SIT and action against three officials for violations has been initiated as well. As far as the Bill is concerned land is needed to be acquired for developmental works, employment generation, rail and infrastructure projects in every part of the country. The Opposition is just shedding crocodile tears," said the Minister. Though, the reply could not stop the members from walking out in protest.